1 Nov., 1897.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 367 
begins to dip down towards the large clump of Bamboos. Our position now 
is F.11 on the map. From here a very pretty view is to be had; but let us 
look at a plot of grass to the right in F. 12. This is ‘‘ Para-grass” (Panicum 
muticum). It is a famous fodder grass; will flourish in damp and even wet 
places; and will succeed in a dry place, as on this ridge. In Florida it is 
cultivated on high pine ridges. It grows from every bit of the stem, and after 
a very short time takes possession, and then no weed, not even nut-grass, has 
the smallest chance against it. It has exterminated nut-grass on the small 
plot where it grows. In Jamaica, they find that it will smother out any weeds, 
and in a recent report from that island it is stated to be one of the most 
valuable of grasses. According to the Kew authorities, it is stated that, in 
Barbadoes, forty acres of Para-grass, well manured and irrigated, yielded in 
good years cut grass of an annual value of £600 (Kew Bulletin). 
In Ceylon, the natives grow it largely as a fodder grass. In a damp place 
it is always green, and will bear cutting often. 
At Poona, in India, the following is the yield of two cuttings at intervals 
of eighty-seven days on ordinary land :— : 
Yield per Acre. 
First cutting... 39 baa ... 10,700 lb. 
Second cutting ... Ae t34 ... 18,020 lb. 
ome 
This grass is interesting as being one of the very first plants sent out 
about fifty years ago to several colonies by the Kew authorities, a work which 
they have continued ever since with magnificent and far-reaching results. To 
propagate in quantity, chop up the stems, scatter them over the ground, and 
lightly fork in or scatter good earth lightly over; then roll. Keep clean for a 
time, and you will have no further trouble. This grass is a capital crop to 
irrigate for fodder. When you sce it, the young leaves will probably be 
pushing, for it is now being cut down. 
Next month we will continue our talk. There is plenty of material. 
